The Flying Fish Essential Yacht Maintenance course is a practical three-day programme designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to maintain a modern cruising yacht safely and reliably.

Through hands-on training you'll learn how to inspect, service and maintain key onboard systems, identify common faults before they become major problems, and reduce the risk of mechanical failures at sea.

The course covers marine diesel engines, 12 V marine electrics, batteries and charging systems, steering systems, pumps, winches, ropework, rig inspections and routine preventative maintenance.

Before attending the practical course, you'll complete a short self-paced online introduction to marine electrics covering DC systems, wiring, batteries, charging systems and fault finding.

Course programme

Day 1 – Yacht systems and preventative maintenance

• Planned maintenance schedules and legal responsibilities
• Marine electrics and 12 V systems
• Servicing steering systems, winches, ropes and safety equipment
• Annual maintenance including antifouling, anodes, seacocks, keel bolts and rudder bearings
• Practical ropework including whipping and splicing

Day 2 – RYA Diesel Engine

• Marine diesel engine operation and routine servicing
• Engine checks, preventative maintenance and fault finding
• Fuel system maintenance and bleeding procedures

Day 3 – Yacht maintenance workshop

• Winch servicing and maintenance
• Rig and steering inspections
• Pump servicing and maintenance
• Practical maintenance techniques and fault diagnosis

Professional instruction

Learn from experienced Flying Fish instructors with extensive knowledge of modern cruising yachts and onboard systems.

Whether you're maintaining your own boat or preparing for a professional sailing career, you'll leave with practical skills that improve safety, increase reliability and help reduce long-term maintenance costs.

• Expert practical instruction and hands-on training
• Online pre course learning in Marine Electrics
• All course notes and training materials
• Use of equipment, engines and tools during the course

Qualifications awarded

• RYA Diesel Engine Certificate
• Flying Fish Essential Yacht Maintenance Certificate of Course Completion

• No previous experience is required.
• This course is highly valuable for boat owners, operators, cruising sailors, and anyone wanting a better understanding of modern yacht systems, maintenance, and onboard safety.
• It is especially useful for sailors planning to work commercially as Yachtmasters, charter skippers, delivery crew, or professional sailing instructors.

• Consider other safety and skills-based courses including sea survival, VHF radio, diesel engine, and advanced sailing training.
• Plot your pathway towards RYA Yachtmaster with Flying Fish through our practical short course programme.
• Explore Safety, radio, and maintenance courses
• View Yachtmaster short courses and progression options

• Booking information
  • Secure your place with a 20% holding deposit when booking more than 60 days in advance. The balance is due 60 days before the course starts.
  • Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to another Flying Fish course or event.
  • Receive a 10% discount when booking three or more courses in a single transaction.
  • Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
  • View our Terms and Conditions.
• What is included in the online Marine Electrics pre-learning?
  • Before attending the practical course, you'll complete a self-paced introduction to marine electrical systems.
  • Topics include basic electrical principles, marine DC systems, batteries and charging systems, circuit diagrams, wiring and installation, fault finding, onboard electrical checks, and a final assessment.
• Is this course useful for professional Yachtmasters and commercial skippers?
  • Yes. A sound understanding of yacht systems and maintenance is an important professional skill for Yachtmasters, charter skippers, delivery crew, sailing instructors, and anyone operating vessels commercially.
  • This course develops the practical knowledge and confidence needed to diagnose common faults, carry out routine maintenance, and reduce the risk of mechanical failures at sea.
• Will this course help me maintain my own boat?
  • Absolutely. This course is designed to help boat owners better understand their yacht's systems, carry out routine maintenance, identify faults early, and communicate more effectively with marine technicians when specialist repairs are required.
  • The practical skills gained can improve safety, reliability, and help reduce maintenance costs over the life of your boat.